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Gold-by-Post Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms & Conditions apply to the Gold-by-Post service provided by The Hamilton Gold Company Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”).

The Gold-by-Post service allows customers to send gold, silver, and other accepted precious-metal items to us by post for valuation and potential sale, rather than attending one of our premises in person.

By requesting a postal pack, submitting items to us by post, or otherwise using our Gold-by-Post service, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.

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Important – Responsibility for Items in Transit

Items sent to us remain the customer's property and at the customer's risk until they have been physically received and signed for by us. Providing or paying for a pre-paid postal label does not make The Hamilton Gold Company the insurer of the items or transfer transit risk to us.

If a parcel is lost, damaged or delayed before it reaches us, the customer is responsible for making and pursuing any claim with Royal Mail or the relevant carrier, as explained in Section 4 below.

2. Scope of the Gold-by-Post Service

2.1
The Gold-by-Post service is offered as an alternative method of selling precious metals, intended primarily for customers who prefer not to attend in person.

2.2
The service applies only to items voluntarily sent to us by the customer for the purpose of valuation and potential purchase.

2.3.1
The Gold-by-Post service covers:

  • scrap gold and gold jewellery (excluding gold-plated items);

  • high-carat and non-hallmarked gold;

  • gold and silver coins and bars (subject to acceptance);

  • silver items, subject to a minimum quantity of 100 grams per transaction;

  • watches, diamonds, and other gemstones.

  • Gold plated items are not accepted

2.3.2

Diamonds, gemstones, and watches may be assessed separately and may be determined to have no commercial value. Where such items are deemed to have no value, they may be returned to the customer upon request.

2.4
Items sent to us under the Gold-by-Post service are assessed in the same manner as items presented in person, using a combination of professional testing methods, which may include:

  • XRF analysis

  • Acid testing

  • Weight and visual inspection

2.5
The Gold-by-Post service does not guarantee that we will purchase any item submitted. All valuations are subject to inspection, testing, and our acceptance at the time of receipt.

2.6
This service is operated as part of The Hamilton Gold Company Ltd and is not a separate business, brand, or legal entity.

2.7
The Gold-by-Post service is available to customers within the United Kingdom only, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

3. Relationship to In-Store Services

3.1
Gold-by-Post is a convenience service and does not replace or override our in-store services.

3.2
Prices, offers, and valuations provided through the Gold-by-Post service may differ from in-store transactions due to:

  • Market movement

  • Testing results

  • Postage and handling considerations

4. Posting Options & Responsibility for Transit

4.1
Customers using the Gold-by-Post service may submit items to us by post using one of the following methods, as outlined on our website or accompanying instructions.

4.2 Pre-Paid Special Delivery Postal Packs

4.2.1Where offered, we may provide a pre-paid Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed postal pack for customer convenience.

4.2.2
Any pre-paid postal pack provided by us includes a Special Delivery service with a maximum compensation limit selected by the customer at the time of request.

4.2.3

The compensation limit selected is the maximum level of compensation available under the Royal Mail service selected. It is an upper limit only and is not a guaranteed payment, an agreed valuation of the items, or insurance provided by The Hamilton Gold Company.

Whether compensation is payable, and the amount payable, is determined by Royal Mail in accordance with its applicable terms, compensation rules and evidential requirements.

4.2.4

Once a pre-paid postal pack has been issued, the customer is responsible for:

  • ensuring that the estimated value of the items being sent does not exceed the compensation limit selected;

  • packaging the items securely in accordance with our instructions;

  • taking the parcel to an appropriate Post Office or Royal Mail acceptance point;

  • obtaining and retaining the original proof of posting until the transaction and any associated postal claim have been fully concluded;

  • retaining evidence reasonably capable of establishing the contents, ownership, acquisition and value of the items being sent; and

  • complying with Royal Mail's applicable requirements for the postal service used.

Customers are strongly advised, before sealing and posting the parcel, to take and retain clear photographs of:

  • all items being sent;

  • the completed Seller Declaration Form;

  • the items inside the packaging; and

  • the sealed parcel showing the postal label and tracking number.

4.2.5 – Claims for Loss, Damage or Delay

If a parcel is lost, damaged or delayed before it has been physically received by us, the customer is responsible for initiating, submitting and pursuing any claim with Royal Mail.

This includes responsibility for:

  • completing and submitting the claim;

  • providing evidence requested by Royal Mail;

  • responding to Royal Mail's correspondence;

  • complying with applicable claim deadlines; and

  • pursuing any review, escalation or appeal where the customer wishes to challenge Royal Mail's decision.

We do not undertake to submit, administer, monitor, chase, negotiate or appeal Royal Mail claims on behalf of customers.

The fact that we have provided or paid for the postal label does not transfer responsibility for the claim to us.

4.2.6 – Information Held by Us

Where reasonably required for a customer's claim, we will provide factual information or documentation held exclusively by us that is relevant to the claim, such as:

  • details of the postal label or service supplied;

  • confirmation that a parcel was expected by us;

  • confirmation that a parcel was not received by us; or

  • other factual information relating to our involvement in the transaction.

If Royal Mail requires a particular document, confirmation or administrative step from us solely because we purchased or supplied the postal label, the customer may request that information or assistance from us.

Providing such information or assistance does not mean that we have taken responsibility for managing the claim or accepted liability for the underlying loss.

4.2.7 – Royal Mail's Decision

All claims are assessed and determined by Royal Mail under its own terms, conditions, compensation policies and evidential requirements.

We do not guarantee that Royal Mail will accept a claim, pay compensation, or pay the maximum compensation limit selected.

We are not responsible for a claim being declined, reduced, delayed or otherwise unpaid by Royal Mail where that outcome is not caused by our own breach of these Terms or failure to exercise reasonable care and skill.

4.2.8 – Evidence

Customers must retain the original proof of posting and any evidence reasonably capable of establishing the contents, ownership and value of the parcel.

Depending on Royal Mail's requirements, relevant evidence may include:

  • the original Post Office proof of posting;

  • photographs of the items;

  • photographs of the parcel and packaging;

  • descriptions of the items sent;

  • original purchase receipts or invoices;

  • bank or card statements;

  • valuations;

  • evidence of the age and condition of the items;

  • correspondence relating to the proposed transaction; and

  • any other information or documentation requested by Royal Mail.

Royal Mail may reduce or refuse a claim where adequate evidence cannot be provided. Customers are responsible for satisfying Royal Mail's evidential requirements and should retain copies or photographs of any original documentation submitted to Royal Mail.

4.2.9 – Value and Amount of Compensation

The amount that Royal Mail considers compensable may be lower than:

  • the compensation limit selected;

  • the current market value of the items;

  • the replacement value of the items;

  • any valuation or estimate provided by us; or

  • any amount that we might have offered to purchase the items for had they reached us.

This is particularly relevant to precious metals, coins, jewellery, watches and other items that may have increased in value since they were originally acquired.

Royal Mail determines compensable loss under its own rules. Any valuation, estimate or potential purchase price provided by us does not bind Royal Mail and does not constitute a guarantee of postal compensation.

4.2.10 – Compensation Paid to Us

If Royal Mail or another carrier pays compensation directly to us in respect of items belonging to a customer, we will pass the relevant compensation received to that customer, provided that the customer has not already received compensation or another recovery for the same loss.

Receipt of compensation by us does not otherwise alter the allocation of ownership or transit risk set out in these Terms.

4.3 Customer-Arranged Postage

4.3.1Customers may choose to arrange their own postage using Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed or another postal or courier service offering an appropriate level of compensation for loss or damage.

4.3.2
Where customers arrange their own postage:

  • The customer is responsible for selecting an appropriate service and insurance level

  • The contract for carriage is between the customer and the carrier

  • Any claim for loss or damage in transit must be made by the customer directly with the carrier

4.3.3

Customers arranging their own postage should select a compensation limit appropriate to the estimated value of the items and should review the carrier's applicable compensation terms, exclusions and evidential requirements before posting.

A compensation limit does not necessarily mean that the carrier will compensate the customer for the full current market value of the items.

4.4 Risk During Transit to Us

4.4.1
Items sent to us by post remain the customer’s responsibility until physically received and signed for by us.

4.4.2

The provision or payment by us of a pre-paid postal pack does not transfer ownership of the items or transit risk to us.

We do not accept responsibility for loss, delay or damage occurring while items are in transit to us and remain in the possession or control of Royal Mail or another carrier, except to the extent that such loss arises directly from our own breach of these Terms or our failure to exercise reasonable care and skill.

Our provision of information or assistance in connection with a postal claim does not amount to acceptance of liability for the underlying loss.

4.5 Packaging Requirements

4.5.1
Customers must package all items securely to prevent movement, damage, or loss during transit.

4.5.2

We are not responsible for loss or damage caused by inadequate or inappropriate packaging where the customer has failed to follow the packaging instructions supplied with the Gold-by-Post service.

Nothing in this clause excludes responsibility for loss caused by our own breach of these Terms or failure to exercise reasonable care and skill.

5. Receipt, Opening, Testing & Transfer of Responsibility

5.1 Receipt of Items

5.1.1
Items sent to us under the Gold-by-Post service are deemed received only when physically delivered to and signed for by us.

5.1.2
Risk in the items transfers from the customer to us only upon receipt as defined in clause 5.1.1.

5.1.3
We do not accept responsibility for loss, delay, or damage occurring prior to receipt, except to the extent set out in Section 4.

5.2 Opening & Recording

5.2.1
All parcels received under the Gold-by-Post service are opened in a controlled environment.

5.2.2
For security and audit purposes:

  • Parcels may be opened under CCTV

  • Items may be photographed upon opening and during assessment

5.2.3
These records are retained for internal verification, security, and dispute resolution purposes and are not routinely provided to customers unless required.

5.3 Testing of Items

5.3.1
All items submitted under the Gold-by-Post service are subject to professional testing to determine metal content, purity, and weight.

5.3.2
Testing methods may include, but are not limited to:

  • XRF analysis

  • Acid testing

  • Weight and visual inspection

5.3.3
By using the Gold-by-Post service, the customer authorises us to carry out all testing reasonably required to assess the items.

5.4 Destructive Testing

5.4.1
Certain testing methods, including but not limited to acid testing, may be partially destructive and may result in minor marks, scratches, or other alterations to the items.

5.4.2
By submitting items to us by post, the customer expressly consents to such testing and acknowledges that items may not be returned in exactly the same condition as received.

5.4.3
We accept no liability for changes to the condition of items arising from reasonable testing carried out in the normal course of valuation. We will take reasonable care when handling and testing items submitted under the Gold-by-Post service.

5.5 No Guarantee of Purchase

5.5.1
Submission of items under the Gold-by-Post service does not create any obligation on us to purchase the items.

5.5.2
All valuations and offers are subject to inspection, testing, and our acceptance at the time of assessment.

6. Valuation, Offers & Payment

6.1 Valuation Process

6.1.1
Once items are received, they are assessed by us as soon as reasonably practicable.

6.1.2
Valuations are based on:

  • the metal content and purity of the items

  • the weight of precious metal recovered

  • prevailing market prices at the time of assessment

  • the condition and nature of the items

6.1.3
All valuations are determined solely by us following physical inspection and testing. Any estimates provided prior to receipt are indicative only and are not binding.

6.1.4
Valuations and offers reflect our commercial assessment of the items submitted and may differ from headline market prices or rates advertised elsewhere. Offers are not calculated using a fixed percentage of any published spot price.

6.2 Offers to Purchase

6.2.1
Following valuation, we may make an offer to purchase the items.

6.2.2
Offers are communicated to the customer using the contact details provided and are typically valid for a limited period only, reflecting market conditions.

6.2.3
We reserve the right to withdraw or amend an offer if:

  • market prices change materially

  • additional testing is required

  • information provided by the customer is inaccurate or incomplete

6.2.4
Customers are under no obligation to accept any offer made.

6.2.5
Offers are normally valid for 48 hours from the time they are communicated, unless stated otherwise.

6.2.6
If no response is received within the offer validity period, the offer will lapse. We may either:

  • issue a revised offer based on current market conditions; or

  • arrange return of the items in accordance with Section 7.

6.3 Acceptance of an Offer

6.3.1
An offer is accepted only when the customer confirms acceptance in the manner specified by us.

6.3.2
Once an offer has been accepted:

  • ownership of the items transfers to us

  • the items will not be returned

  • the transaction is treated as final, subject to Section 6.4

6.4 Payment

6.4.1
Payment for accepted offers is made by bank transfer only, to a UK bank account held in the customer’s name.

6.4.2
Payments are normally made on the same working day that an offer is accepted, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.

6.4.3
We do not make payments by cash, cheque, or to third-party bank accounts.

6.4.4
We reserve the right to delay payment where:

  • identity verification is required

  • additional compliance checks are necessary

  • bank details provided are incomplete or incorrect

6.4.5
Bank account details provided must be held in the customer’s own name and must correspond with identity information supplied.

6.4.6
Where payment cannot be completed due to incorrect bank details, account-name mismatch, or failed transfers, we reserve the right to delay payment, request further verification, or cancel the transaction and return the items in accordance with Section 7.

6.5 No Price Guarantees

6.5.1
We do not guarantee any specific price, percentage of spot value, or valuation outcome.

6.5.2
Market prices for precious metals can fluctuate rapidly, and valuations reflect prices at the time of assessment only.

6.6 Distance Contracts & Cancellation

6.6.1
No sale is concluded until the customer has expressly accepted an offer made by us.

6.6.2
Where an offer is accepted, the price is determined by reference to prevailing precious-metal market conditions at the time of valuation. As such, statutory cancellation rights may not apply once an offer has been accepted.

6.6.3
Customers who do not wish to proceed may decline an offer and have their items returned in accordance with Section 7.

7. Declined Offers & Return of Items

7.1 Right to Decline

7.1.1
Customers are under no obligation to accept any offer made by us under the Gold-by-Post service.

7.1.2
If an offer is declined, the items will be returned to the customer in accordance with this section.

7.2 Return of Items

7.2.1Where an offer is declined, items will be returned to the customer using an appropriate tracked postal or courier service selected and arranged by us.

7.2.2
Returns are normally dispatched as soon as reasonably practicable following confirmation that an offer has been declined.

7.2.3
Returned items will be sent to the address provided by the customer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

7.2.4

Because returned items have already been physically received by us, responsibility for arranging the return postal service and any carrier claim arising from loss or damage during return transit rests with us.

We will exercise reasonable care and skill in selecting and arranging the return service and will pursue any available carrier compensation where appropriate.

Nothing in this clause excludes or restricts any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.

7.3 Cost of Returns

7.3.1
We do not charge an administration fee for the return of items where an offer is declined.

7.3.2
The cost of return postage and insurance is borne by us, except where additional charges arise as a result of:

  • inaccurate or incomplete information provided by the customer

  • items exceeding reasonable packaging, weight, or service limits

  • special delivery instructions requested by the customer

7.3.3
Where additional charges arise in the circumstances set out in clause 7.3.2, we reserve the right to recover such costs or deduct them from any settlement, where applicable.

7.4 Condition of Returned Items

7.4.1
Items returned following a declined offer may not be in identical condition to when received due to reasonable testing carried out in accordance with Section 5.

7.4.2
We accept no liability for changes to the condition of items resulting from such testing.

7.5 Unclaimed or Undeliverable Returns

7.5.1
Where returned items are not successfully delivered due to incorrect address details or failure to accept delivery, we will make reasonable efforts to contact the customer.

7.5.2
We reserve the right to charge reasonable storage, re-delivery, or handling costs where items remain unclaimed or undeliverable for an extended period.

7.5.3

Where an offer has been made and no response is received from the customer within 28 calendar days of the offer being communicated, the items will be returned to the customer in accordance with this section. Non-response will not be treated as acceptance of an offer, and we will not proceed with payment or sale of items without the customer’s express consent. We may attempt to contact the customer before arranging return, but are not obliged to do so.

8. Compliance, Identity Verification & Anti-Money Laundering

8.1 Regulatory Obligations

8.1.1
We are required by law to comply with applicable anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing, and proceeds of crime regulations.

8.1.2
These obligations apply regardless of whether items are submitted in person or by post and are not discretionary.

8.2 Identity Verification

8.2.1
We may require customers to provide proof of identity and, where applicable, proof of address before completing a transaction.

8.2.2
Acceptable forms of identification may include, but are not limited to:

  • a valid passport

  • a UK photocard driving licence

  • other government-issued identification

8.2.3
Where identity verification is required, payment will not be made until satisfactory checks have been completed.

8.3 Transaction Monitoring & Enhanced Checks

8.3.1
We reserve the right to carry out additional checks where:

  • the value of a transaction is high

  • the nature of the items submitted requires further scrutiny

  • information provided is incomplete or inconsistent

  • we are otherwise required to do so by law

8.3.2
In certain circumstances, enhanced due diligence may be required, which may include requesting additional information or documentation.

8.4 Payment Restrictions

8.4.1
Payment under the Gold-by-Post service is made by bank transfer only to a UK bank account held in the customer’s own name.

8.4.2
We do not make payments to third-party accounts, overseas accounts, or accounts not clearly connected to the customer.

8.5 Reporting Obligations

8.5.1
We are legally required to report suspicious activity where appropriate and may be prohibited from informing customers when such a report has been made.

8.5.2
Nothing in these Terms & Conditions requires us to proceed with a transaction where doing so would breach our legal or regulatory obligations.

 

9. Data Protection & Record-Keeping

9.1 Personal Data

9.1.1
We collect and process personal data provided by customers in connection with the Gold-by-Post service, including contact details, identification information, bank details, and transaction records.

9.1.2
Personal data is processed for the purposes of:

  • administering the Gold-by-Post service

  • complying with legal and regulatory obligations

  • preventing fraud and financial crime

  • maintaining accurate business records

9.1.3
We process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

9.2 Photographs, CCTV & Records

9.2.1
For security, audit, and dispute-resolution purposes, we may:

  • photograph items received

  • retain images of parcels and contents

  • record the opening and handling of parcels using CCTV

9.2.2
Such records are retained securely and accessed only by authorised personnel.

9.2.3
These records are not routinely shared with customers but may be disclosed where required for:

  • dispute resolution

  • insurance claims

  • legal or regulatory purposes

9.3 Data Retention

9.3.1
Personal data and transaction records are retained only for as long as reasonably necessary to:

  • fulfil the purposes set out in these Terms & Conditions

  • comply with legal, regulatory, or accounting requirements

9.3.2
Certain records may be retained for extended periods where required by law, including AML and financial-record-keeping obligations.

9.4 Data Sharing

9.4.1
We do not sell or rent customer personal data to third parties.

9.4.2
We may share personal data with:

  • payment providers

  • carriers and insurers

  • professional advisers

  • regulators or law enforcement bodies

where such disclosure is lawful and necessary.

9.5 Further Information

9.5.1
Further information about how we handle personal data is available in our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms & Conditions.

9.6 Customer Warranties & Declarations

9.6.1

By using the Gold-by-Post service, the customer warrants and represents that:

  • they are the legal owner of the items submitted, or have full authority to sell them;

  • the items are not stolen, counterfeit, or otherwise unlawfully obtained;

  • they are at least 18 years of age;

  • all information provided in connection with the transaction is accurate and complete.

9.6.2

We reserve the right to refuse to proceed with a transaction, delay payment, return items, or report matters to the appropriate authorities where we reasonably believe these warranties have been breached or where required by law.

10. Limitation of Liability

10.1 General

10.1.1

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits our liability for:

  • death or personal injury caused by our negligence;

  • fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;

  • our obligation to exercise reasonable care and skill where required by law; or

  • any other liability or statutory right that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

10.2 Transit & Postal Services

10.2.1
Our liability for loss or damage occurring during transit is limited as set out in Section 4 (Posting Options & Responsibility for Transit).

10.2.2

We do not assume responsibility for items merely because we provide or pay for a postal label.

Until items have been physically received and signed for by us in accordance with Section 5, ownership and transit risk remain with the customer.

Where Royal Mail or another carrier loses, damages or delays a parcel before receipt by us, the customer is responsible for pursuing any available compensation with the carrier in accordance with Section 4.

Providing or paying for postage does not make us the insurer of the customer's items and does not constitute a guarantee that compensation will be available or paid.

Nothing in this clause excludes responsibility for loss caused directly by our own breach of these Terms or failure to exercise reasonable care and skill.

10.3 Valuation & Pricing

10.3.1
We are not liable for any dissatisfaction arising from the valuation or offer made, provided the customer is free to decline the offer and have items returned in accordance with these Terms & Conditions.

10.3.2
We do not accept liability for differences between our offer and:

  • market prices

  • spot prices

  • prices offered by third parties

10.4 Indirect or Consequential Loss

10.4.1
To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for:

  • loss of profit

  • loss of opportunity

  • loss of anticipated value

  • sentimental value

  • indirect or consequential loss

  • arising from the use of the Gold-by-Post service.

10.5 Responsibility for Loss

10.5.1

Subject to clause 10.1, we are responsible for direct losses that are reasonably foreseeable and arise as a result of our breach of these Terms or our failure to exercise reasonable care and skill.

We are not responsible for losses caused solely by Royal Mail or another carrier while the items remain at the customer's risk in accordance with Section 4.

Nothing in this clause makes us responsible for the current market value, appreciation in value, sentimental value or other loss arising from an inbound parcel that has not been physically received by us, except where the loss was caused by our own breach or failure to exercise reasonable care and skill.

 

11. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

11.1
These Terms & Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or the Gold-by-Post service, are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

11.2
Subject to any mandatory consumer protections that apply, the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising under these Terms & Conditions.

12. Amendments, Severability & Entire Agreement

12.1 Amendments

12.1.1
We reserve the right to amend these Terms & Conditions from time to time.

12.1.2

Where a customer requests a Gold-by-Post pack and accepts these Terms & Conditions as part of that request, the version accepted at the time the pack is requested will apply to items subsequently sent using that pack.

Where a customer uses the Gold-by-Post service without requesting one of our postal packs, the version of these Terms & Conditions in force when the items are posted to us will apply.

12.2 Severability

12.2.1
If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severed and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

12.3 Entire Agreement

12.3.1
These Terms & Conditions constitute the entire agreement between the customer and us in relation to the Gold-by-Post service and supersede any prior discussions, correspondence, or representations.

13. Contact Details

13.1
The Gold-by-Post service is operated by:

The Hamilton Gold Company Ltd
16A High Street

Thames Ditton

Surrey

KT7 0RY

Company Number: 15704160

13.2
If you have any questions about the Gold-by-Post service or these Terms & Conditions, please contact us using the details provided on our website.

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